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Nuclear Woman Propaganda Parody

The Propaganda Remix Project (left) created by Micah Wright creates political propaganda pieces that parody war propaganda. Wright’s artwork takes on a nostalgic feeling through the coloring and style, as he makes them seem like they belong in the 1950s and 60s. This painting portrays a message of regular citizens, especially housewives like the main character of the piece, should not question the government or their own rights. Overall the painting is meant to make you do the exact opposite, and parodies the idea of not questioning the intent of the government, as if the propaganda is meant to brainwash the audience much like people were brainwashed during the earlier parts of history.

The colors of this painting are reminiscent of patriotism, and multiple posters and propaganda works throughout America. All of the text is either red or blue, including the woman wearing a red-stripped shirt. This is similar to many posters such as Uncle Sam wearing the U.S. colors, and the child’s tie in the Raised Em’ Myself poster. This tactic of using patriotic colors help to spark nationalism in the audience, and exemplifies the idea that American’s can also show their support through wearing clothing. The dull and drab colors are similar to the colors and feelings used in propaganda during the World Wars, and are used in this poster to give the audience a nostalgic theme of holding on to American family values.The original poster shown to the right was a World War Two propaganda poster illustrating the ideas of the housewife to take a pledge for price control and rationing. This happened during the war in order to save money toward the war effort, decrease imports, and ration food for the soldiers and people at home. Similar to the parody, the original focuses on the importance of this oath, and the patriotism through the colors and stars that are presented on the piece.

This painting is a parody due to its message of taking an oath for your country, by promising to “never question authority” or asking about equal rights. The Women’s equality movement has been raging on throughout the world for hundreds of years. The painting tackles this idea of a patriarchal society controlling the woman by making them promise not to question anything. The look on her face even symbolizes that she is not okay with taking the oath, and is being forced into this idea. By stating this is a “home front” issue such as rationing or buying liberty bonds to support troops and the country, the audience sees the parody of saying that it is as important to be brainwashed and quiet when it comes to authority and injustices. Somehow by staying neutral and allowing the government and patriarchy make all of the decisions, anyone who takes this oath is forfeiting their agency and power. Questioning authority and injustice helps to move forward as a society, and makes sure everyone is receiving the same opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Like author Cassandra Duffy said, “The beauty of standing up for your rights is others will see you standing and stand up as well.” That same idea can be switched to not standing up or questioning like the painting, which would cause even more people to believe the propaganda and stop questioning things as well.